Originally published December 13 2005
New research targets nerve damage type 1 diabetics often experience
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Type 1 diabetes commonly leads to nerve damage, or neuropathy, and many universities are now conducting studies of how to reduce the risk and halt the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas doesn't produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose (a type of sugar) into energy.
Despite eating an adequate amount of food and having high levels of glucose in the blood, the body is unable to get the fuel into the cells.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 18.2 million Americans have diabetes.
Complications of Diabetes: Neuropathy Over time, about half of patients with diabetes develop signs of neuropathy, or nerve damage.
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in the legs, feet, hands and arms.
It can cause tingling, pain, numbness and weakness in the affected area.
Diabetes is a common cause of amputations in the U.S. Researchers estimate people with diabetes and neuropathy have a 15 percent chance of requiring one or more amputations in their lifetimes.
Damage to these nerves can cause problems with digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual function, perspiration, vision and the cardiovascular system.
Normally, the body produces natural antioxidants to take up the free radicals to prevent or reduce damage to the cells.
We can also get some antioxidants in our diet (like from foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene).
But if there are too many free radicals or too few antioxidants, the cells of the body can be damaged by oxidative stress.
Researchers theorize that in diabetics, high levels of glucose in the blood disrupt cellular metabolism and cause an overproduction of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Type 1 patients from around the country who are interested in participating in the study can call the University of Michigan study coordinator at 734-936-8065.
For information about the research and other projects regarding diabetic neuropathy at the University of Michigan, visit their website at http://www.med.umich.edu/pfund/dart.htm.
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